PHIA Technical Director 143 views0 applications

ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-profit organization that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.

In partnership with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ICAP will conduct Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIA) in specific PEPFAR-supported countries. Each PHIA will define the status of the national HIV epidemic, guide allocation of resources based on evidence, and integrate capacity building of country stakeholders in the design, conduct, analysis, and use of PHIAs.

ICAP, in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is planning to conduct a PHIA to estimate the population-level impact of the national HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in Malawi. In addition to providing important programmatic information to the MoH and relevant stakeholders, this assessment of the national HIV program is of great value to HIV researchers and public health experts around the world.

More details on ICAP’s PHIA Project may be found at:

http://icap.columbia.edu/global-initatives/the-phia-project/

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Malawi PHIA Project Director, the Technical Director will oversee clinical aspects of the MPHIA survey ensuring both clinical compliance and regulatory requirements, as well as technical soundness and appropriateness of clinical aspects. As ICAP in Malawi portfolio grows, the Technical Director may also be asked to assist with other work as required by additional grant funded activities.

This position is grant funded.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Assist in the development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to blood draw, HIV testing and return of results directly to participants and indirectly through health facilities.

· Advise on how best to implement the system for referrals to the health system as stipulated in the survey protocol

· Work together with other ICAP in Malawi staff members to ensure regulatory compliance with respect to ongoing communications and reporting of incidents or adverse events

· Advise on compliance with local clinical guidelines and practice

· Make periodic site visits to provide oversight, supervision, and technical assistance in clinical issues

· Ensure coordination of clinical activities, ensuring consistency with funder and ICAP objectives while avoiding duplication of efforts. Develop collaborative relationships with technical focal points at governmental bodies and external organizations in order to meet mutual goals

· Contribute to and in some cases lead development, review and finalization of quarterly and annual project work plans; monitor progress towards target and address bottlenecks in meeting project milestones.

· Represent ICAP in Malawi before Government of Malawi officials, technical working groups and partner organizations.

· Coordinate provision of technical assistance to the Ministry of Health and Child Care and identify and solicit technical resources from different departments within the country office and ICAP headquarters.

· Actively participate in the development of annual continuation applications, grant proposals, presentations, publications, reports and abstracts.

· As a member of ICAP in Malawi Senior Management Team, participate in strategic decision making for the general management of the organization.

· Perform other duties as needed, or as future grant funded activities require.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

· Travel approximately 25% of time within Malawi may be required.

EDUCATION

· MD, PhD, DrPH or other professional equivalent required; Master’s in public health (in addition to professional degree) preferred.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Minimum five (5) years of experience in managing public health research programs in areas such as HIV, TB, and maternal child health in sub-Saharan Africa.

· Strong supervisory and management skills for leading teams of clinicians and other public health professionals.

· Prior clinical research or program evaluation experience.

· Demonstrated experience working independently.

· Strong problem-solving skills.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Previous work in Malawi and good knowledge of local context.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Knowledge of USG rules and regulation preferred.